Astris Energi Completes Fuel Cell-Powered Golf Cart on Time

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Canada--April 3, 2001-- Astris Energi Inc. (OTC: ASRF), a leading developer of alkaline fuel cell power systems, Tuesday reported that its fuel cell-powered golf cart, the first such vehicle in the world, was completed and tested on the company's test track last Friday, March 30, a day ahead of schedule.
    "This represents the successful culmination of a six-month-long project," said Jiri K. Nor, president. In that short period, the alkaline fuel cell engine, Model E6, was designed, engineered and built, and an electric golf cart was modified for fuel cell propulsion.
    The E6 engine was integrated early in March and has been extensively bench tested over the past two weeks. Modifications in the golf cart were also completed last month, with installation of the engine and in-vehicle tests occurring last week, Nor reported.
    Fuel cells generate electric power by combining hydrogen gas with oxygen from the air. They require no other fuel, are noiseless and produce no pollutants. Their only by-product is pure water, Nor noted.
    The company's new "ASTRICART," designed for use in a wide variety of small vehicles, eliminates costly and time-consuming battery charging required in electric carts and the noise and pollution caused by gasoline-powered carts, Nor explained. The E6 power source fits under the seat and the bottle of compressed hydrogen gas is hidden from view in the rear of the cart.
    Engineers in Astris' headquarters here and in its affiliate company in the Czech Republic have also designed, produced and field tested a compact alkaline fuel cell system, the first of its kind, to provide electricity, heat and hot water for individual homes, motorhomes and boats, plus a portable power source for use in remote locations.
    Both of these have been in experimental use by units of the Czech government since last year.
    Astris intends to engage in joint ventures or licensing arrangements with major manufacturers of various small vehicles, residential and motorhome electrical systems, and other equipment needing self-contained power sources, Nor concluded.